ATHENS, Ohio (April 23, 2007) -- Sending children to school in the computer-generated world of Second Life, creating imaginative costume designs for theater, diagnosing back problems with the use of a virtual, movable body: These are just some of the projects on display at the 2007 Ohio University Student Research and Creative Activity Fair, Thursday, May 3.

More than 450 undergraduate, graduate, medical and postdoctoral students representing all academic colleges will be showcasing their innovative projects at the event, which is expected to attract more than 1,000 visitors. In the past two years, the number of participants has nearly doubled.

"The increasing popularity of the fair makes sense, given the wealth of creative and innovative endeavors continually being developed by Ohio University students," said Jim Rankin, interim vice president for research at Ohio University. "What you see at the fair is not a recitation of textbook lessons but an exciting, interactive exhibit showing how our students are applying the knowledge they've learned in the classroom. It is a chance to see the enormous potential within our students and support them."

The fair, which will be held at the Convocation Center from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is free and open to the public. It features live performances, interactive demonstrations and engaging exhibits. Prospective and current Ohio University students will learn more about how to get involved in scientific and creative research and how it benefits their education and future careers. Free pizza and beverages will be provided to all attendees.

A panel of Ohio University faculty members, staff and students will judge exhibit entries. Up to $400 in prizes will be awarded in each category, organized by discipline. The Student Choice Award offers students the opportunity to pick their favorite project. More than 110 students received awards at last year's fair.

"The Student Research and Creative Activity Fair provides a snapshot of the kind of cutting-edge developments occurring in many disciplines, from nanotechnology to costume design. It is also an opportunity for students to gain professional development experience, which will help them when it's time to start hunting for a job in their field," said fair organizer Roxanne Malé-Brune, director of grant writing and special projects at Ohio University.

A live broadcast from the event, produced by WOUB Center for Public Media, will air on WOUB II and the university's CATVision cable television system. WOUB will film "live" from the Convo during the fair from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Power 105.5, WXTQ, also will broadcast from the fair.

For more information about the fair, which is sponsored by the Office of the President, Office of the Provost and the Office of the Vice President for Research, visit the Web at www.ohiou.edu/research/students.